Austria Discovery Guide

Overview

Austria sits in the heart of the Western Europe. Because of this location and the fact that some of the longest rivers in Europe pass through it, Austria has greatly benefited from international trade. It shares its borders with Switzerland and Germany with whom it continues to maintain close ties with. The country had once been the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This has made Austria one of the most powerful nations in all of Europe. Today, Austria is a small and industrialized republic. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe with the country being host to millions of tourists each year. Travelers visiting Austria are drawn to its scenic landscapes which are comprised of panoramic lakes, mountain and dense coniferous forests. It is also where tourists can have a spectacular view of the majestic Alps, which are the highest and most impressive mountains in Europe and covering almost 75% of Austria. The northeastern region of Austria is home to the fertile tributaries of the River Danube.

The landscape of the country has also provided Austria with deposits of minerals which have supplemented the income the country gets from agriculture products. Although fossil fuels can also be found in the country, the supply is extremely limited which is why Austrians rely on the streams and the mighty River Danube to provide nation with electricity. If you are planning to visit Austria, the first place to start is in Vienna, the capital of the country and one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Vienna had once been the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and it is home to many historical buildings such as the Opera House and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral which served as the cathedral church of the archbishopric since 1772. Among the top tourist attractions in Vienna are the Belvedere Palaces in Austria. These two palaces were initially built for Prince Eugene. Today, it is home to the Museum of Medieval Art. For a glimpse on more modern artworks, head out to the Austrian Baroque Museum and the Museum of Austrian Art which boasts the finest pieces of 19th and 20th century artwork.

From here, travel to the city of Linz, the third largest city in the country and the capital of Upper Austria. Located along the banks of the River Danube, the city of Linz has been home to some of the most prestigious personalities such as Kepler and the master composer Mozart. Among the prime tourist attractions in the city include the St. Martin Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Austria ad the Stubai Glacier which is home to some of the most famous skiing facilities which are open all year round. The best time to visit Austria is during the winter months. Austria is well-known for its winter sport activities. In fact, one-third of the entire tourist population coming to Austria do so to spend their holidays in the Alps and enjoy skiing and other winter sports in resorts such as those found in St. Anton.